Association ‘Life with Down syndrome of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina’ this year, on the occasion of the World Day of people with Down syndrome, draws attention to the importance of real inclusion and a sense of belonging, through the theme ‘Together against loneliness’.
Loneliness is often mistakenly equated with loneliness. However, while solitude may be a choice—a time for rest, reflection, and personal space—loneliness is something else. It is a feeling of disconnection, even when we are surrounded by people. We can be in the classroom, at work, or among friends, and still feel like no one sees, hears, or understands us.
That’s why it’s not enough to just be present. It’s important to be involved. Involvement means that someone notices us, invites us to talk, asks how we are and gives us the feeling that we belong there. It is this sense of belonging that is crucial for the mental health and quality of life of each individual.
– Although loneliness is a universal human experience, people with Down syndrome face it more often and more intensely. They often openly communicate the need for friends, going out, talking, which is the need of every young man. Lack of opportunities to engage in education, social activities and daily interactions can lead to social and emotional loneliness, which often goes unnoticed. Families also often share a feeling of isolation, which additionally indicates the need for joint action – said Feni, president of the Life with Down Syndrome Association of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sevdija Kujović.
Loneliness is not only an individual feeling, it is also a reflection of society. A society that does not recognize, does not include and does not give space to everyone, creates conditions in which people feel invisible. Long-term loneliness can have serious effects on mental health, increasing the risk of anxiety, depression and feelings of insecurity.
– That is why it is important to ask ourselves: do we really see each other? Are we including people who are often on the margins? Small gestures – a conversation, a call, a smile – can be the first step towards creating a sense of belonging. It is precisely such moments of connection that make a difference and build a community where no one is alone – she stressed.
Based on that message, the celebration of World Down Syndrome Day in 2026 is aimed at strengthening real encounters and connections.
As part of the program, today in Sarajevo, a public event “The circle that includes” will be held. It will bring together young people with Down syndrome, high school students, students and parents in a symbolic act of connection – from the experience of loneliness to a sense of community and belonging.
In parallel with that, a mini-campaign is being implemented on social networks under the hashtag #TogetherAgainstLoneliness, through which educational and inspirational content is shared with the aim of raising awareness of the difference between loneliness and loneliness, as well as the importance of active involvement in the community.
– Therefore, we invite citizens, schools, kindergartens, employers, institutions and civil society organizations to create their own small moments of togetherness through creative activities, conversations, gestures of attention or initiatives that connect people and strengthen the sense of belonging. Share your ideas and activities on social networks using the hashtags: #ZajednoProtivUsamljenosti #SvjetskiDanOsobaSDownSindromom – according to the Life with Down Syndrome Association of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This combination of a public event and an online campaign allows everyone to become part of a global story of togetherness, support and inclusion, and to contribute to building a society where no one is alone. Get involved and become a force in the lives of others through friendship, fellowship and attention!
Association Life with Down Syndrome of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina has been celebrating the World Day of People with Down Syndrome since 2007. In the early years of the commemoration, they were part of a global campaign to include the date March 21 in the UN calendar of important dates. On December 19, 2011, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted Resolution 66/149, which declared March 21 the World Day of People with Down Syndrome, and it has been celebrated every year since 2012. The date March 21 (21/3) symbolically shows 3 copies of the 21st chromosome, which is unique to people with Down syndrome, reports Vijesti.ba.
